The Plumbline

Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.  The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the fear of GOD.  Give her everything she deserves!  Festoon her life with praises!    (Proverbs 31:30-31) In our last installment of "A Good Woman", let's turn to the closing verses of this Proverb.  Lemuel’s mom was absolutely “spot on” in her acknowledgement that beauty soon fades and that charm is a misleading thing.  Outer beauty is certainly not a negative thing, but it is definitely elusive at times and something that we probably focus on way too much in our society.   I know that I am in good company with many other women who have their “bad hair days”, “nothing fits right moments”, and “this looks awful on me” kind of days.  We cover up, push up, bind up, doctor up, dress up – and we still are not happy with our outward appearances!  We look in our bulging closets and declare emphatically, “I have nothing to wear!”...

She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor. When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly. (Proverbs 31:20) As we continue to explore the traits of a "good woman", we will do well to remember that the title "good woman" is not extended because of perfection, but because of heart attitude and internal motivation.  Lemuel’s mom was quick to point out the selflessness of a “good woman”.  She is quick to acknowledge the needs of those around her, but also to step in to personally meet those needs whenever possible.   She is sensitive to those around her, opening herself and her home to help in practical, caring service.  Sensitivity is a "learned" thing - you develop it over the course of observing people, life's situations, and in listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your life.  She reaches out to the poor – those who not only have material need, but those who may feel small in ...

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.  She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day. (Proverbs 31:15) We began to look at the characteristics of a "good woman" yesterday.  We pick up this morning with this passage.  In the midst of this mother’s description of her son’s “perfect woman”, I see opportunities and measures of hope in my own life – areas in my life that God’s Spirit has been faithful to work and where I have been affected by his touch.  I dare to say that each of us, regardless of our circumstances, single or married, mother or not, can draw out nougats of truth from this passage of Scripture that challenge us, open us afresh to God’s moving in our lives, and even create a sense of contented assurance in our inner being because we see God in us at work in that area of our life.  Although I rise early each morning and prepare for work in the workplace, not ever...